‘Not accurate’: James Franco addresses sexual misconduct claims

JAMES Franco has finally responded to claims of sexual misconduct levelled against him, describing them as “not accurate”.

JAMES Franco has opened up about a string of sexual misconduct claims levelled against him, describing them as “not accurate.”

The Disaster Artist director and actor appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to address the backlash he received on Twitter following his win at the Golden Globes earlier this week, the New York Post reports.

After talking about his film, his Globe win, his impression of Tommy Wiseau, and even bringing his brother on stage, Colbert asked about the Time’s Up pin he was wearing during the ceremony and the criticism he received.

“I do support [Time’s Up],” he started. “I was so excited to win, but being in the room that night was powerful. I support change.”

Franco told Colbert that he was aware of what Ally Sheedy had said. Shortly after his win, Sheedy sent out a vague tweet about Franco’s behaviour in the past. The two worked together on the 2014 off-Broadway production of The Long Shrift.

Sheedy deleted her tweets shortly after posting them. Picture: Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic

To this, Franco said, “I have no idea what I did to Ally Sheedy. I had nothing but a great time with her. I have total respect for her.” He said that they had fun working together and he said he couldn’t speak for her and reiterated that he did not know what he did.

Other women followed Sheedy’s tweet but were less vague. Violet Paley and Sarah Tither-Kaplan tweeted out detailed accusations against Franco about inappropriate sexual behaviour.

In regards to these tweets, he said, “In my life, I pride myself in taking responsibility for things I’ve done. I have to do that to maintain my wellbeing. I do it whenever something needs to be changed.” He said that things that were out on Twitter were “not accurate”.

He continued: “I completely support people coming out and being able to have a voice because they haven’t had a voice for so long. I don’t want to shut them down in any way. It’s a good thing I support.”

Colbert then asked Franco if there is a way to have discussions about sexual harassment allegations outside of social media. The Late Show host then asked if there was a way to come to what the truth is and come to some reconciliation between people who clearly have different views of things.

“If I have done something wrong, I will fix it — I have to,” said Franco. “That’s how that works. I don’t know what else to do.”

He then concluded by referring to the Time’s Up movement during the Globes, “The point is to listen. I am here to listen and learn and change perspective where it’s off. I’m completely willing and want to.”

This story was originally published in the New York Post and is republished here with permission.